General Strike in Portugal

Workers against austerity cuts - First mass strike after 22 years

Photo: Valen

Public and privat sector workers has joind a one-day strike on Wednesday to protest government's austerity measures, which are meant to result in tax increases, lower wages, freezing pensions and cuts in social services.

The transport sector was crippled by the stoppage of flights, rail services, urban transport, including ferry, metro and 60 per cent of bus services. Rubbish collection, healthcare and banking were all disrupted.

On Friday the Parliament is set to vote on a budget to tackle the debt crisis. The Socialist government wants to quell international unease over the country's public spending and deficit by cost-cutting programmes. The budget is expected to have an easy passage through parliament, since the main opposition party sais it will not block it.

Photo: Valen

Photo: Valen

Photo: Valen

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